The popular 2005 Kia Sorento LX is the rear-wheel drive base model, with seating for up to five passengers in two rows of seats. Though the low 15/20 mpg doesn't make this SUV particul...
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The popular 2005 Kia Sorento LX is the rear-wheel drive base model, with seating for up to five passengers in two rows of seats. Though the low 15/20 mpg doesn't make this SUV particularly economical, it does offer a lot of features and cargo versatility for a lower price point than competitors. A 192-hp, 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine is matched to either a 5-speed manual or a new 5-speed Sportmatic auto tran. Sitting on 16-inch wheels, the cargo area features standard tie-downs and a cover and can hold up to 66 cubic feet when the 60/40 split-fold rear seats are down.

High safety ratings come with the dual front airbags and side impact bags for both rows. Other standard features include power windows, locks, and mirrors, intermittent front and rear wipers, a tachometer, a roof rack, cruise control, heated mirrors, and a CD player. Cupholders and storage compartments are placed front and back. ABS brakes, running boards, and a trailer hitch can be added, and a Sport Package features fog lights, remote entry, and step rails. Highlights include the roomy interior, comfortable ride, and overall power. By far the worst feature is the gas mileage.

Going off-road is what an SUV should be about, and the 2005 Kia Sorento LX 4WD promises just that, with its independent front suspension, limited rear slip differential, low-range geari...
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Going off-road is what an SUV should be about, and the 2005 Kia Sorento LX 4WD promises just that, with its independent front suspension, limited rear slip differential, low-range gearing, skid plates, and front and rear stabilizer bar. A 3.5-liter, 192-hp DOHC V6 is matched to either a 5-speed Sportmatic (new this year) or a 5-speed manual transmission, and the 16-inch wheels and all-season tires help on rough road and in rough weather. Dual front airbags and side impact bags are standard for the two rows of seats.

The 2005 Sorento LX 4WD comes with full power features, cruise control, a CD player, heated mirrors, and a tachometer. The 31 cubic foot cargo area (expandable to 66) features tie-downs, and there is an optional trailer hitch to accommodate up to 3500 pounds. A roof rack is also standard. Options add running boards, foglights, and remote entry. If you ignore the low 15/20 mpg, there is a lot to like about the 2005 Sorento LX 4WD, and owners point out that it has smooth handling, a comfortable and roomy interior, and they like its style.

Much of what is optional on the base LX is standard on the 2005 Kia Sorento EX. Powered by a 192-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and new 5-speed Sport-shift automatic transmission, the rear-wheel dri...
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Much of what is optional on the base LX is standard on the 2005 Kia Sorento EX. Powered by a 192-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and new 5-speed Sport-shift automatic transmission, the rear-wheel drive mid-sized SUV has room for four in two rows of seats, each protected by side impact airbags. There are also dual front airbags, and the 2005 Sorento EX scores four and five stars in crash tests. Cargo can be placed in the trunk, which is expandable to 66 cubic feet, or on the handy roof rack. Tie-downs and a cargo cover are provided. An optional trailer hitch allows 3500 pounds of cargo to be towed.

The EX has more features than the LX, including a sunroof, 8-way power driver's seat, remote garage opener, wood and leather steering wheel trim, fog lights, and automatic headlights. Cruise control, power features, a CD player, and intermittent front and rear wipers are already standard. 4-wheel ABS brakes are optional, as are running boards, heated leather seats, a rear spoiler, and dual-zone climate control. High marks go to the car-like handling, roomy passenger and cargo space, overall style, and the comfort on long trips. Owners of the 2005 Sorento EX do complain about the gas mileage and some unhelpful Kia dealerships.

The 2005 Kia Sorento EX 4WD comes with low-range gearing, a limited slip rear differential (center optional), skid plates, and part-time driver-engaged four-wheel drive for optimum off-roading. For a little extra, as part of a Luxury Package, you can add Torque-on-Demand 4WD, that automatically distributes power where needed. This feature makes the mid-sized Sorento EX 4WD a true SUV, and its maximum 66 cubic feet of cargo space (with the split-folding rear seats down) and roof rack allow you to carry you adventure accessories with you. A 192-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine and new 5-speed Sportmatic power the Sorento.

Inside, the 2005 Sorento EX 4WD comes with an 8-way power driver's seat, wheel-mounted audio controls for the CD player, cruise control, full power features, intermittent front and rear wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, foglights, and a garage opener remote. Luxury touches include leather and wood accents and a power sunroof. Dual front and front and rear side airbags are standard, but ABS brakes are optional. More luxury can be added with heated leather seats, a CD changer, and dual-zone climate control. Practical additions include running boards, a trailer hitch, and a self-leveling suspension. Easy handling, an affordable price, comfortable interior, and quality styling are high points for owners, but the gas mileage and transmission problems put a slight damper on the 4WD fun.